Tutoring/Supplemental Education in Veterinary Studies

Career summary: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Average Salary

Career Outlook

Excellent

30% job growth by 2022, which is much faster than average

Earn a degree in veterinary studies from an accredited college

One of the best ways to prepare for a career in veterinary studies is through a college education. A Tutoring/Supplemental Education will help you develop entry level skills, general veterinary studies know how and the basic veterinary studies experience you need to start your career off right.
You may also consider a Diploma in Veterinary Studies to help you take your education and career to the next level.
Please select veterinary studies school below.

Overview

Why would I want a veterinary studies degree?

A degree in veterinary studies (veterinary/animal health technology/technician and veterinary assistant) will provide you with the skills to become a veterinary technician or a veterinary technologist, which is a field in which there will be more new jobs than there will be graduates to fill them. If you have a love for animals and an interest in helping them stay healthy, then this is a degree that you should strongly consider.

Job Description

What do people with veterinary studies degrees do?

People who have a degree in veterinary studies usually become veterinary technicians or veterinary technologists. Although the education requirements for the two are different, the duties they perform in a veterinarian office are almost identical. They assist veterinarians by conducting clinical and laboratory procedures in private clinics and animal hospitals. Some of these duties may include performing laboratory tests such as urinalysis and blood counts; assisting with dental care; preparing tissue samples; taking blood samples; assisting veterinarians in a variety of other diagnostic tests; recording patients’ case histories; exposing and developing x rays and radiographs; providing specialized nursing care; administering medications; preparing samples for laboratory examinations; recording information on an animal’s genealogy, diet, weight, medications, food intake; recording clinical signs of pain and distress; sterilizing laboratory and surgical equipment; assisting veterinarians in surgery; and providing routine postoperative care.

There are various types of specialties in the veterinarian field. The most common specialties include small animals, large animals, mixed animals, and equine (horses). The majority of vet offices specialize in small animals, which include dogs, cats, mice, rats, sheep, pigs, cattle, monkeys, birds, fish, frogs, etc.

Aside from working in veterinarian offices, technologists also have the opportunity to work in more advanced research-related jobs. Some technicians also might have similar opportunities; although, usually research jobs are reserved for technologists since they have more formal training.

The most common places of employment for veterinary technicians and technologists are:

Private Veterinary Offices

Animal Hospitals

Animal Shelters

Research Facilities

Race Tracks

Salary

How much do veterinary technicians and technologists make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for veterinary technicians and technologists in 2008 was $28,900. The middle 50 percent earned between $23,580 and $34,960. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $19,770, and the top 10 percent earned more than $41,490. They are usually paid by the hour, and the median hourly wage for technicians and technologists in 2009 was $14.08.

Career Outlook

How popular are veterinary technician and technologist jobs?

Veterinary technician and technologist jobs are quite popular, and they will continue to be popular into the foreseeable future. Jobs in this field are expected to grow by 36% through 2018, which is much faster than the average growth rate among all jobs. In fact, it is expected that there will not be enough qualified personnel to satisfy the expected job demand.

The factors spurring the strong job growth are a growing population; growing affluence in the general population, which leads to the ability to afford pets and their care; and limited output of qualified technicians and technologists.

Career Path

How do I become a veterinary technician or technologist?

In order to become a veterinary technician, you must obtain an associate’s degree in veterinary studies (veterinary/animal health technology/technician and veterinary assistant). In order to become a veterinary technologist, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree in the same area of study.

In most states you must also pass a credentialing exam following your coursework. To find out more information about certification, talk to the veterinary studies school of your choice.

Learning Format

Location

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Veterinary Studies Schools (0)

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